HARRISBURG - In an effort to decrease the size and cost of state government, the York County House Republican delegation supports House Bill 1234, which would reduce the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to 153 members. At 203 members, the state House is currently the second largest and second most expensive legislature in the country.

Delegation members, which include state Reps. Keith Gillespie (R-Hellam), Seth Grove (R-Dover), Ron Miller (R-Jacobus), Will Tallman (R-Hanover), Mike Regan (R-York/Cumberland) and House Majority Whip Stan Saylor (R-Red Lion), issued the following statement in reaction to passage of the legislation:

“This is the right move to cut costs in state government without cutting taxpayer representation. While the overall number of legislators would be reduced under House Bill 1234, the ratio of representation between the urban and rural areas would remain equivalent. All areas would lose representatives, but not representation. In today’s technologically advanced world it is easier than ever to follow your elected official’s legislative actions, and also keep in touch with them. These tools allow representatives to reach out to more people than ever, and decrease the need to retain current member levels in our Legislature.

“House Bill 1234 would create 153 House districts as part of the 2021 redistricting process (following the 2020 federal census). With a current population of 12.7 million (according to the 2010 federal census), the 153 districts would represent approximately 83,022 people per district, which is not considered a significant change from the current 62,573 with 203 districts.

“Changing the size of the Legislature requires an amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution, which means the same bill must be debated and passed in two consecutive sessions, and subsequently be approved by referendum vote of the people of Pennsylvania.

“We look forward to successful passage of House Bill 1234 in this current session, and beginning the process of reducing the size and cost of our state government.”

York County House Republican Delegation
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Mike Straub
mstraub@pahousegop.com

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